Gastrointestinal cancer care

Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be challenging. That’s why our caring team of gastrointestinal cancer specialists is here to assist you. We offer seamless care, guiding you from diagnosis through treatment to ensure the best possible results.

Make an appointment Call 800-789-7366

Anatomical intestines model on doctor table over background gastroenterologist consulting female patient

What is gastrointestinal cancer?

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer refers to a group of cancers that affect the digestive system. The digestive system, also known as the GI tract, is a continuous tube that stretches from the mouth to the anus. It plays a crucial role in digesting and absorbing nutrients from food, as well as eliminating waste products from the body.

GI cancers can form in the esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts, small intestine, colon, rectum, and anus.

Clinical trials

Clinical trials offer patients the opportunity to try new and effective treatments and take part in future research.

Find a clinical trial

Second opinions

If you've received a diagnosis, our team of experts offers second opinions to grant you peace of mind.

Schedule a second opinion

Support services

Through these offerings, you can receive specialized physical and emotional support during cancer treatment.

Learn more

National Cancer Institute Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center badge on top of shot of hospital

Rated “exceptional” by The National Cancer Institute

Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center is a world leader in cancer research, patient care, and education. Our status as a national leader in cancer care is reflected in our continuous designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) since 1973, one of 7 such centers in the United States. The ACC is also a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, one of a select few cancer centers in the U.S., that are working to promote equitable access to high-quality, advanced cancer care.

Comprehensive care for all GI cancers

At Penn Medicine, our GI cancer specialists come together to care for you—in mind, body, and spirit.

From prevention, early detection, and diagnosis through treatment and recovery, you’re in the hands of a strong team of GI medical oncologists, nurse navigators, radiation oncologists, surgeons, gastroenterologists, primary care physicians, dietitians, social workers, and therapists focused on giving you the care you need.

Gastrointestinal cancers we treat

Metastatic neuroendocrine tumor cells in the blood flow

Neuroendocrine cancer expertise

Neuroendocrine tumors, which are found in the GI tract, look like GI cancers but are managed differently. Our care team has extensive experience treating these hormone-producing tumors.

Learn more

GI cancer treatment options at Penn Medicine

Gastrointestinal cancer treatment requires extensive medical expertise and teamwork. Our dedicated team of doctors and support professionals focuses solely on caring for these complex cancers. We understand the intricacies of therapy decisions and collaborate closely to customize a treatment plan that’s right for you.

Proton therapy

This noninvasive, precise radiation therapy uses high-energy protons to damage the DNA in cancer cells.

Hepatic artery infusion (HAI) pump

This medical device is used to deliver chemotherapy, a cancer medication, directly to the liver.

Radiation therapy

External radiation and internal radiation therapies are used to treat cancer and benign tumors.

Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC)

A high dose of chemotherapy is heated and circulated through the abdominal cavity to remove cancer cells.

Immunotherapy

This treatment boosts the immune system, enhancing its ability to recognize and eliminate abnormal cells.

Chemoembolization

Chemoembolization is used to treat liver cancer.

Gastrointestinal Cancer Genetics Program

Our cancer genetics experts have developed a specialized program to support individuals and families affected by or at risk of hereditary gastrointestinal cancer or colon polyps. We provide advanced cancer risk evaluation, genetic counseling, genetic testing, and comprehensive medical care through our expert clinical team. The Gastrointestinal Cancer Genetics Program offers the following services.

Gastrointestinal Cancer Risk Evaluation Program (GI-CREP)

Gastrointestinal Cancer Genetics Clinic

Gastrointestinal Cancer Risk Management Programs

Cancer care at Penn Medicine

Penn Medicine’s Cancer System is led by the Abramson Cancer Center with locations at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Hospital, Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, Chester County Hospital, and outpatient locations in the Philadelphia and NJ suburbs. Beyond the greater Philadelphia region, the system includes programs at both the Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute at Lancaster General Health and Princeton Medical Center.

Diverse team of doctors having a discussion

Our doctors

Our providers work with you to plan and deliver exceptional treatment and personalized care.

View providers

Panoramic shot of Penn Medicine's downtown campus

Locations

Our hospitals, multispecialty medical centers, pharmacies, labs and more offer outstanding, personalized care for patients all across the region.

View all locations

Can we intercept cancer? A new frontier in cancer research

Penn Medicine researchers are at the forefront of new scientific efforts to interrupt the development of cancer at its earliest stages.

February 28, 2023

Penn Medicine at the 2024 ASH Annual Meeting

Researchers will present data on the latest advances in blood cancer and benign hematology research at the 2024 ASH Annual Meeting.

December 2, 2024

View all

Patient stories

Finding triple-negative breast cancer at 33, she chose ‘Team Penn’

Shocked to learn she had stage III breast cancer, Kate Korson knew just where to go. She flew home to Penn Medicine, where a clinical trial saved her life.

Learn More

Patient puts national spotlight on cancer clinical trials

As Kate Korson recently shared on Good Morning America, both she and her mother participated in clinical trials at Abramson Cancer Center.

Learn More

New lungs, a new liver, and a new lease on life

Decades after a childhood diagnosis of cystic fibrosis, Donald traveled across the world to find transplant care he could trust at Penn Medicine.

Learn More

Epilepsy surgery gives patient a new lease on life

Minimally invasive laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) surgery reduced the epilepsy symptoms a patient had experienced for more than 30 years.

Learn More

A grateful patient pays it forward to treat uterine cancers

Dalia Jakas credits her doctor with curing her uterine cancer without harming her quality of life. Now, she’s paying it forward for future patients.

Learn More

Home-assisted ventilation for autoimmune disease: Kim’s story

A rare autoimmune disease kept Kim Day from his favorite outdoor hobbies, until he met doctors in the Fishman Program for Home Assisted Ventilation.

Learn More

A community hospital is a destination for cancer care

At Lancaster General Health, receiving advanced treatments closer to home has changed the battle with cancer for patients across central Pennsylvania.

Learn More